Overview
Department: Human Resources
Reporting to: Head of HR
Grade: 7
Salary: £47,001 per annum
Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
Base: Gravesend, Kent
Closing date: 31st March 2026
Interview date: 1st Stage teams interviews scheduled for 9th April. 2nd Stage F2F interviews scheduled for 20th April 2026.
Who we are: We are the UK’s biggest port, central to the country’s economy and ambitions for growth. We connect the UK to the world, but we are much more than a conventional port. We are driven by our purpose to protect and improve the 95 mile stretch of the River Thames which is tidal – from Teddington Lock on the border of Surrey, through the heart of London, Kent, Essex and out to the North Sea.
The role
We’re looking for an experienced HR & Payroll Advisor to join our HR team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is an exciting time to join us as we support the organisation through significant change, including the implementation of a new ERP system.
In this role, you’ll play a key part in delivering a high-quality, people-focused HR and payroll service. You’ll provide practical, solutions-oriented support to colleagues and managers, helping us embed a collaborative ‘One Team’ culture across the organisation.
Key responsibilities
HR Advisory
* Providing professional advice to managers on HR policy, processes and best practice.
* Supporting managers with complex Employee Relations matters including performance, absence and conduct.
* Ensuring HR activities (contracts, variations, terminations, recruitment administration) are completed accurately and on time.
* Contributing to policy development and supporting consultation and implementation.
* Staying up to date with employment law and sharing updates with managers.
* Supporting recruitment activity, including interviews and coaching hiring managers.
Payroll
Support the Senior Payroll Administrator in:
* Processing payrolls from start to finish including starters, leavers, changes and other monthly ad hoc payroll actions.
* Ensuring accurate and timely payment to all employees by running monthly pay runs
* Ensure legislative timelines for submitting monthly HMRC returns are met.
* Responding to employee payroll and benefits queries, providing clear and helpful guidance.
* Assist with processing pension contributions and other deductions, submitting timely returns as well as monthly reporting to our Finance team.
What we are looking for
We’re looking for someone who is both technically strong and people‑focused, someone who can build trust, communicate clearly and keep things running smoothly.
You’ll bring:
* Experience in generalist HR advisory work, including case management.
* Practical experience in payroll administration and confidence working with payroll systems.
* CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience.
* Strong knowledge of UK employment law and how to apply it in real-world scenarios.
* Experience using HR and payroll systems (ERP experience desirable).
* Excellent attention to detail and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
* A collaborative, inclusive approach aligned to our organisational values.
Our behaviours
We look for people who:
* Work as One Team – build strong relationships, support others and work collaboratively.
* Always Improve – learn from experience, share ideas, and seek better ways of doing things.
* Do the Right Thing – act with integrity, respect and professionalism.
Benefits
In return, we offer a competitive benefits package:
* 28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
* Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)
* Generous pension
* Onsite parking with electric charging
* Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy
* Cycle to Work Scheme
* Access to MyGymDiscounts
For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Jemma Jeffery, Head of HR at jemma.jeffery@pla.co.uk
The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.
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